Superannuation changes from 1 July 2026: what you need to know

These updates will impact most working Australians, particularly employees, parents, and those making additional contributions to their super. 

Key changes at a glance 

Payday Super 

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay super contributions at the same time as salary and wages. Contributions must reach your super fund within 7 days of each payday. 

Previously, employers only needed to pay super on a quarterly basis. 

This means your super will be invested sooner, helping it grow faster over time and making it easier to spot missing payments.  

Contribution caps increase 

Concessional (before-tax) contributions cap 

The concessional contributions cap will increase to: 

Concessional contributions include employer contributions (such as Super Guarantee) and salary sacrifice. 

If you exceed the cap, additional tax may apply. 

Carry-forward contributions 

If eligible, you may be able to use unused cap amounts from previous years to contribute more. This may be an option if you have a lower super balance and haven’t reached your caps in earlier years. 

Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions cap  

The non-concessional contributions cap will increase to: 

These are contributions made from after-tax income. 

For more on the contribution caps, click here. 

The bring-forward rule (after-tax contributions) 

The bring-forward rule allows you to boost your retirement in super’s tax-friendly environment by using up to three years’ worth of after-tax contributions limits in a single year and increasing your potential to benefit from the power of compound interest. 

Your total superannuation balance will determine whether you can benefit from the bring forward rule through non-concessional contribution, and the maximum amount you can contribute. 

The total super balance will increase from $2m to $2.1m from 1 July. Table below shows the restrictions on non-concessional contributions that occur as a result. 

^{*Balance as at 30 June of the previous financial year} 

This can be a useful strategy if you want to boost your super more quickly, for example after receiving a lump sum. 

Super on government parental leave 

From 1 July 2026, eligible parents will receive super contributions on government-funded Paid Parental Leave. 

Tax on balances over $3 million 

The Government has proposed an additional tax on earnings related to super balances above $3 million, which will be applied from 1 July 2026. 

The measure would only apply to the portion of your balance above the threshold and is expected to affect a relatively small number of people. 

If your balance is approaching this level, you may wish to seek financial advice. 

We’re here to help 

If you have questions about these super changes or how they affect you, call us on 1800 675 839 between 8am and 8pm AEST Mon–Fri. 

^Disclaimer 

^{This article is current at the date of publication and is subject to change. It contains general information only and does not take into account of your specific objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances. You should seek personal advice or professional financial advice, consider your own circumstances and read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision about Prime Super. A copy of the PDS and Target Market Determination is available by calling 1800 675 839 or by visiting primesuper.com.au/pds.}  

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